Midwest Climbing plans rock climbing center in Minneapolis near Surly

A new climbing wall complex is planned near Surly Brewing Co. in Minneapolis.

Midwest Climbing wants to open the facility at 518 Malcolm Av. to offer different types of rock climbing, including bouldering and sport climbing.

“Midwest Climbing aspires to be a social hub, welcoming to all, where people are supported and encouraged to challenge themselves both mentally and physically in the sport of climbing,” Rebecca Celis, associate vice president for design firm HGA, wrote in a letter to city staff.

According to city documents, the climbing facility would have a dramatic, sloped roof inspired in part by the Sawtooth Mountains near Lake Superior and would be clad in mostly metal panels. The second portion of the building that would make up the main entrance will resemble a small box.

The facility would have more than 18,000 gross square feet of space, which would include changing rooms, a retail area and space for workout machines.

In 2011, Sean Pugh was arrested for allegedly violating terms of his release from prison. A year and a half into his roughly two-year stay in the Brown County Jail, he realized he owed the county around $17,000 — the result of a $20 daily "pay-to-stay" fee plus fees from previous jail stints.